Redflower false yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora 'Coral Glow')
Hesperaloe parviflora 'Coral Glow', the Redflower false yucca, offers low-maintenance structure with stunning coral-red summer blooms, thriving in arid settings.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Hesperaloe parviflora ‘Coral Glow’ is a striking, drought-tolerant evergreen perennial that brings architectural interest to arid and xeriscape gardens. This cultivar, known popularly as Redflower false yucca, forms neat basal clumps of narrow, blue-green foliage, which can develop attractive purple or bronze tints during cold weather. Its primary ornamental value lies in the spectacular, airy spikes of coral-red tubular flowers that appear reliably throughout the summer months.
This selection offers significant practical benefits, including exceptionally low maintenance needs and high resistance to heat and drought once established. As an excellent source of nectar, the flowers of Hesperaloe parviflora ‘Coral Glow’ are highly attractive to hummingbirds, making it a valuable addition for wildlife enthusiasts. Gardeners located in challenging hot or dry sites will appreciate the resilience of this compact Redflower false yucca.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Asparagaceae
- Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 3-4 ft
- Spread: 3-4 ft
- Bloom Time: June to August
- Bloom Description: Coral-red
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Dry
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
For optimal growth, site your Hesperaloe parviflora ‘Coral Glow’ where it receives full sun exposure throughout the day. The absolute key to success with this plant, whether it is the species or the ‘Coral Glow’ cultivar, is ensuring superior soil drainage. It thrives best in dry, sandy, or sharply-drained soils, making it perfect for rock gardens or slopes. Avoid heavy clay soils that retain moisture, as this can lead to root issues.
Watering should be minimal once the Redflower false yucca is established. It exhibits excellent drought tolerance, mimicking its native habitat in the Chihuahuan desert. Deep, infrequent watering during extreme heat is usually sufficient; otherwise, rainfall should suffice in many climates. Fertilization is rarely necessary due to its low nutrient requirements and adaptation to poor soils.
Propagation is infrequently required as this particular selection, Hesperaloe parviflora ‘Coral Glow’, does not tend to set seed readily. If you wish to propagate, division of established clumps during early spring is the recommended method. While surprisingly winter hardy to Zone 5, protect the plant during extremely harsh winter snaps if you are near the colder limit of its range, focusing on keeping the crown dry.
Landscape Uses
The structural form and extended summer bloom of Hesperaloe parviflora ‘Coral Glow’ make it incredibly versatile. It excels in desert gardens where it echoes the textures of true yuccas but with softer foliage margins. Use it as an accent plant along path margins or in rock gardens where the excellent drainage mimics its natural environment.
Due to its manageable 3 to 4-foot height, this Redflower false yucca works well integrated into mixed perennial borders where its upright lines contrast nicely with mounding plants. It is also highly effective when massed for a strong visual impact of color across the summer months. Furthermore, Hesperaloe parviflora ‘Coral Glow’ performs admirably as a large container specimen, provided the potting mix is fast-draining.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Hesperaloe parviflora, commonly known as red yucca, coral yucca, hummingbird yucca, redflower false yucca, and samandoque, is a yucca-like evergreen perennial succulent native to the Chihuahuan desert. Narrow, arching, sword-like, blue-green leaves grow in basal clumps, often acquiring purple tints in cold winter climates and featuring distinctive thread-like marginal hairs. ‘Coral Glow’ is a compact selection featuring airy, gently arching flowering stalks holding small, tubular flowers with coral-red exteriors and light yellow interiors, making it very attractive to hummingbirds.
Tolerances
- Drought
- Dry Soil
- Shallow-Rocky Soil
- Air Pollution
Potential Problems
The Redflower false yucca generally suffers from no serious insect or disease problems, contributing to its low maintenance rating. The primary concern for gardeners is predation, as deer are known to feed on both the unarmed foliage and the tender flower spikes. Aphids may occasionally appear when the plant is actively blooming, requiring simple treatment. Occasionally monitor for scale insects, treating localized infestations promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Redflower false yucca suitable for?
Hesperaloe parviflora ‘Coral Glow’ is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 5 through 9, offering excellent adaptability across a wide range of climates.
How large does Hesperaloe parviflora ‘Coral Glow’ grow?
This compact selection typically reaches a mature height between 3 to 4 feet tall, with a similar spread of 3 to 4 feet, creating a balanced, architectural clump.
What sun exposure does Redflower false yucca need?
For the best flowering performance and robust health, Hesperaloe parviflora ‘Coral Glow’ requires consistent full sun exposure.
When does Redflower false yucca bloom?
The prolific blooming period for Hesperaloe parviflora ‘Coral Glow’ generally spans from June through August, showcasing attractive coral-red flowers.
Conclusion
The exceptional drought tolerance, low maintenance profile, and stunning mid-summer floral display confirm that Hesperaloe parviflora ‘Coral Glow’ is a superb choice for modern sustainable landscapes. Incorporating this Redflower false yucca adds reliable evergreen structure and vital color for hummingbirds. Before planting, verify that your site offers the sharp drainage necessary for this plant to perform successfully in your specific hardiness zone.
Wildlife Benefits
The tubular, nectar-rich blooms of the Redflower false yucca are specialized to attract pollinators, with hummingbirds being the most devoted visitors. Planting Hesperaloe parviflora ‘Coral Glow’ strategically near patios or windows can enhance garden viewing experiences, offering constant summer activity. The foliage is described as unarmed, meaning it lacks sharp spines, which can be a benefit when placing it near pathways where human contact is frequent.
Propagation Tips
While Hesperaloe parviflora ‘Coral Glow’ is patented and less likely to self-seed compared to the parent species, propagation is still possible through vegetative means. The most effective method involves carefully dividing the mature clumps, which should be done in early spring before new growth commences. Ensure that each division has a healthy section of root structure attached to maximize the chance of the new plant establishing quickly in its new location.
